WHAT’S INSIDE
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT THE CLUB
Minuwangoda Toastmasters Club is a dynamic and vibrant community dedicated to enhancing communication and leadership skills. Since our charter date on January 5, 2016, we have been on a journey of empowerment, providing a supportive platform for individuals to overcome their fear of public speaking, refine their presentation skills, and develop into confident leaders.
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
DISTRICT MISSION
We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence
CLUB MISSION
intergrity | respect | service | excellence
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth
MESSAGE FROM THE
PROGRAM QUALITY DIRECTOR
Growing Together: The Heartbeat of a Strong Community Club
A thriving community club isn’t just about having members it’s about creating a space where people feel connected, valued, and inspired to grow. The secret to strong membership isn’t recruitment alone; it’s building an experience so fulfilling that people naturally want to stay and bring others along. As a long standing member of a community club, I can personally vouch for the following points which will certainly elevate your trajectory as a club.
Make Every Guest Feel Like a Future Member – The moment someone steps into your club, they should feel like they belong. A warm welcome, a personal introduction, and a follow-up message can turn a curious visitor into a committed member. People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.
Show, Don’t Just Tell – People join when they see value. Share transformation stories—how someone once afraid of speaking now leads confidently. Let guests experience the impact firsthand through engaging speeches, dynamic Table Topics, and interactive leadership moments.
Meetings That Spark Excitement – Routine kills enthusiasm. Have creativity with themed meetings, storytelling sessions, or even community-oriented discussions. If members leave a meeting buzzing with energy, they’ll bring someone new next time.
The Power of Personal Invitations – Flyers and social media posts help, but nothing beats a personal invite. Challenge each member to bring one friend. If they’ve found value in the club, chances are someone they know will too.
Be a Club That Gives Back – A club that contributes beyond its walls stands out. A club that serves the community naturally attracts those who want to be part of something meaningful.
At its core, membership growth isn’t about numbers it’s about creating a space so enriching that people don’t just want to join; they want to stay and invite others to experience the same magic.
I wish Minuwangoda Toastmasters Club all the success in their journey ahead!
DTM Niroshan Nadarajah Program Quality Director District 82
MESSAGE FROM THE JOURNEY OF GROWTH
DIVISION DIRECTOR
Wow, what a ride it's been since 2016! I'm sitting here, thinking about your club's incredible journey, and I can't help but smile. You're not just another Toastmasters club – you're a vibrant community that has transformed lives, one speech at a time.
Let me tell you what makes you truly special: your incredible diversity. I've seen many clubs, but yours stands out. Imagine a room where a young IT professional sits next to a young budding entrepreneur, where a focused teacher shares space with a confident manager. That's Minuwangoda for you – a melting pot of dreams, experiences, and unique voices. You've created something magical: an environment where differences are always celebrated.
Remember that moment last year when one of your own became a District Leader? That wasn't just a personal achievement – it was a collective triumph for the whole club. It's like watching a team of amateur dancers suddenly perform at a professional concert. Your mentorship, your support, your unwavering belief in each other made that possible. You didn't just create a leader; you demonstrated what true community support looks like.
In a world that's changing faster than we can blink, your club has become a beacon of adaptability. Think about it – every time a member steps up to give a speech, they're not just practicing public speaking. They're building resilience, learning to communicate in an increasingly complex world. You're equipping people with skills that go far beyond the podium – skills that help them navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace.
I've seen countless Toastmasters clubs, but what sets Minuwangoda apart is your heart. You're not just about perfecting speeches; you're about lifting each other up. When someone stumbles, you don't criticize – you support. When someone succeeds, you celebrate together. That's the real magic of your club.
To the President and every single member: your passion is contagious. You're not just building speakers; you're nurturing leaders who will shape our communities, our workplaces, and our future. Keep pushing boundaries, keep supporting each other, and keep believing in the incredible potential within each of you.
As you move forward, hold tight to those core Toastmasters values –integrity, respect, service, and excellence. But add your own Minuwangoda magic to them. Continue being that unique, diverse, supportive family that turns ordinary individuals into extraordinary communicators and leaders.
Here's to your past achievements, your present energy, and the incredible future ahead. I can't wait to see what you'll accomplish next!
Shabry Samoon Division Director
Division H | District 82
MESSAGE FROM THE
AREA DIRECTOR
Toastmasters provides a unique opportunity to enhance your communication skills in a world that increasingly demands effective communication. It empowers individuals to unlock their potential by cultivating their inherent abilities. As Toastmasters, we collaborate to maximize our strengths and utilize our skills to benefit others.
Minuwangoda Toastmasters is the soil which I have been rooted in my toastmasters’ journey. From being a member to the first ever Area Director from the club, this club has been providing me with challenging situations, a supportive environment, and most importantly an exceptional group of seniors who carefully groomed me on this journey.
Every member in Minuwangoda toastmasters is blessed with the inspiration of its senior members, who has the burning determination to serve the club and the fraternity. It is amazing how you have been standing tall amidst the various kinds of challenges you faced.
I am delighted to lead such a dynamic and determined Toastmasters club. Your dedication to personal growth and public speaking is truly admirable. On a personal note, I love the enthusiasm and the warmth of all the members.
Whether you are a seasoned speaker or just starting out, remember that every speech is an opportunity to gain experience and improve.
I encourage you to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you. Attend meetings regularly, participate actively in table topics, and seek feedback from your fellow members.
As your Area Director, I am committed to supporting your journey towards becoming confident and effective communicators. And it is my utmost privilege to serve my home club in such. Let us work together to build a thriving Toastmasters community where everyone feels confident to express themselves. I encourage you to actively participate in club meetings, take on leadership roles, and set ambitious personal goals.
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let us take that step together.
Ad Victorium!
Long live Minuwangoda Toastmasters!
Nimshi Palihawadana
Area Director
Area 4 | Division H | District 82
PRESIDENT MESSAGE FROM THE
Dear Fellow Toastmasters,
As the President of Minuwangoda Toastmasters Club, I am thrilled to reflect on the progress and achievements we have made together. Each meeting, each speech, and each moment of feedback brings us one step closer to becoming stronger communicators and leaders.
This is a club where growth happens not just through practice, but through the support and encouragement we offer one another. I encourage everyone to continue pushing beyond their comfort zones, as it is in these challenges that we find our true potential.
Let’s remain committed to building a positive, inspiring, and inclusive environment. Together, we will continue to develop and elevate each other, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to reach their goals. I look forward to seeing all of you at our upcoming sessions, and thank you for your continued dedication to excellence.
Warm regards,
Achira Weerasuriya President,Minuwangoda Toastmasters Club
MEET OUR
EXCO 24/25
TM ACHIRA WEERASURIYA PRESIDENT
Joined Toastmasters in 2022 and became the vppr in 2023 and current president. software engineering undergraduate at university of Stafford & working as an intern QA engineer at NDB bank
TM LENASHA PALIHAWADANA VP EDUCATION
Proud product of Holy Cross College Gampha. Studied at William Angliss institute at SLIIT. Undergraduate at Management and Science institute
Pastry chef by profession. Dancing teacher and a baker
TM JANAKA MALAWIARACHCHI VP MEMBERSHIP
Joined Toastmasters in 2017. Studied B. Sc Engineering at University of Peradeniya Completed MBA at University of Kelaniya. Civil Engineer by proffesion & the owner of the GCC PVT (LTD) & Otelka Holdings.
TM KAVISHKA PERERA VP PUBLIC RELATION
Joined Toastmasters in 2023.
Graduated in Bsc. Hons in Mechanical specialized in Mechatronics Engineering from SLIIT. Currently working as Autonomation Engineer at MAS KREEDA.
MEET OUR
EXCO 24/25
TM NISHANI PREMARATHNE SECRETARY
Studied Sociology at University of Kelaniya & Completed Post graduate diploma in marketing management at SLIM. Working as Sales Promotion Executive at Thinnaveli Farms. Hobbies are Playing flute and Watching movies.
TM SAMPATH FERNANDOI
SERGEANT AT ARMS
Working as an assistant manager procurement
Reading books and news papers.
University of Bedfordshire
Postgraduate from university of Colombo
TM SAMAN WEERASURIYA TREASURER
TM since 2017. Hold various club roles as a senior member. working as a Senior manger IT in Crystal Martin PVT LTD
TM NIMSHI PALIHAWADANA IMMEDIATE
PAST PRESIDENT
Area Director H4. Working as the General Manager at LND Graphics (PVT) LTD and a ICT Tutor. holds a BSC Hons in Computer Science and software engineering from university of Bedfordshire. MBA from university of West London
ARTICLE BY TM LENASHA
STOLEN HEARTS AND SECOND CHANCES
There are moments in life when everything feels dark when the world seems heavy, and hope feels distant. And then, someone walks in and changes everything.
You came into my life when I was surrounded by shadows. You lit up my world, gently reminded me how to smile, and gave me the courage to believe in love again. When I was afraid to fly, you gave me butterflies. When I forgot how it felt to be happy, you brought back my laughter and warmth.
You were my moon in the darkest nights — a constant presence, calm and bright. Without even realizing it, you became my everything. You walked into my life unexpectedly, but that unexpected moment turned out to be one of the greatest blessings.
God knew what He was doing. He brought us together at the perfect time, because He knew we needed each other. I had almost given up on love, but you changed that. Slowly, softly, and sincerely you made me believe again. You gave me the love I had been praying for. I see it in your eyes, in your words, your actions, and every part of you.
Thank you for being the perfect man for this once-lost soul. This little girl is glowing again, laughing again, loving again all because of you. In you, I see a forever kind of love.
TM Lenasha Palihawadana
POEM BY TM NILAN
FATHERHOOD
life is full of both joy and misery i was a person who didn't have the responsibility but life is completely changed like a tannery after i started to have the fatherhood in tranquility he was born almost half a dozen years back i was given the fatherhood by him it is the most responsible duty which nobody can have it has the immortal love which doesn't dim he taught me to irradicate my selfishness suddenly and generosity became my passion my love towards him grew immediately but that love makes me melancholy at a session because of him i had to sacrifice the person whom i was while my small fellow was enjoying himself now feel the outcome which i capitalized in mass he has amplified like grass grow itself he is an another Isaac who always sees the world mathematically he always willing to see the heights and shaped of the coconut trees while i am looking at his height and shape frantically his school waves at him while i am in glees
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT
MTMC
A special Christmas-themed meeting was held at the Minuwangoda Toastmasters Club on December 22, 2024, filled with inspiring speeches, Christmas-themed Table Topics, and fun games. Laughter, learning, and holiday spirit made it a night to remember!
SPEECH CRAFT AT
MICHELIN
Speechcraft session organized for the Michelin Lanka PVT LTD successfully conducted by Minuwangoda Toastmasters Club.
A 12 session workshop including basics of public speaking, usage of language, delivering presentations, impromptu speaking, and delivering effective feedback was conducted by our fellow toastmasters of the fraternity.
Minuwangoda Toastmasters
MICHELIN
AREA H4
JOINT MEETING
A successful joint meeting was held on February 8, 2025, at the Maris Stella College OBA Center. It was filled with fun, engaging speeches, and great friendships among members!
